Read and comment on this email from the NPCA's Advocacy listserv on the prospects for the House of Representatives taking up the Amended S2667 Peace Corps Bill in this session of Congress.

Two possible scenarios that the NPCA envisions are: (1) The House may meet only Nov. 12-14, in which case the only option for passage of a bill this year may be House acceptance of S 2667 amended, as sent from the Senate; (2) The House could also meet in December, in which case, the House International Relations Committee would have time to introduce its own proposals, either by marking up S 2667 or by using another vehicle to support the Peace Corps and the work of RPCVs.

PCOL has been in touch with Democratic and Republican Congressional offices involved with this bill and will be publishing a special report on where the bill stands now, it's prospects for passage and what RPCVs can do to influence the process.

*This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.

PRE-ELECTION UPDATE FROM NPCA

For more information on NPCA-Advocacy, visit the Advocacy Network webpage at www.NPCA-Advocacy.net.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ON PEACE CORPS CHARTER FOR THE 21st CENTURY What You Can Do

I hope you’ve had time to congratulate yourselves on helping to get the "Dodd Bill" S2667 unanimously passed by the Senate last week. It was sent to the House, where it was referred to the International Relations Committee (HIRC) for consideration for House action. Time is running out for the 107th Congress. There are many things competing for legislators’ attention. How do we make a Peace Corps Charter for the 21st Century that takes into account the wonderful work of former volunteers a priority?

Here is the latest news. As a result of consultations among Peace Corps, Congress and the NPCA, S 2667 amended (Dodd) was unanimously passed by the Senate on Oct. 15, sent to the House and referred to the International Relations Committee (HIRC). House members for the most part have gone home to their districts to work on their or colleagues’ campaigns.

As of our check with HIRC staff and other House staff Oct. 24, there are a couple of possible scenarios: (1) The House may meet only Nov. 12-14, in which case the only option for passage of a bill this year may be House acceptance of S 2667 amended, as sent from the Senate; (2) The House could also meet in December, in which case, HIRC would have time to introduce its own proposals, either by marking up S 2667 or by using another vehicle to support the Peace Corps and the work of RPCVs.

How do we affect that process?

Between now and Nov. 8, we urge that RPCVs, former staff and friends of the Peace Corps contact their Members of Congress in support of Senate Resolution 2667 as amended in the Senate or a House version that reflects the NPCA principles as presented to all parties:

President Bush’s mandate to double the number of Peace Corps Volunteers over five years, in a context of quality programming and Volunteer placement and broader, more innovative people-to-people development assistance initiatives.

The historic independence of the Peace Corps from other agencies of foreign policy and from any and all forms of intelligence gathering.

A well-funded Strategic Planning Unit within the Peace Corps with the expertise and authority to guide the expansion of Volunteer numbers and programming initiatives via improved research, evaluation and forward strategic planning.

A streamlined bipartisan Advisory Council to the Peace Corps, composed of Peace Corps alumni representing a broad range of international knowledge and relevant career expertise.

An RPCV Innovation Fund providing grants to support selected innovative projects and programs proposed by RPCVs, both domestic and international, consistent with the goals of the Peace Corps and experience gained through Peace Corps service.

A restructured "Crisis Corps" that better utilizes the career expertise of RPCVs to extend the mission and goals of the Peace Corps into challenging new contexts of peaceful development in the 21st Century.

A new era of collaboration between the Peace Corps agency, the National Peace Corps Association, other Peace Corps alumni organizations and initiatives, and other international volunteer programs.

Let us know what you are doing in the home districts at mailto:advocacy@rpcv.org.

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I appreciate all the work RPCV's Senator Dodd and Sam Farr did to enhance the Peace Corps program. However, we feel they did not help the safety and security of volunteers. I was told by Sam Farr's staff that Sam was going to put in a mandate having two volunteers at every site for Peace Corps Security on the ground. I guess we did not get our voices across. I guess, then I was wrong. That's right I am admitting fault. This does not diminish the fact that two volunteers should serve together for American Peace Corps Security. 21 Volunteers have been killed, died or missing since 1996. Their names should be listed so Dodd and Farr can understand the magnitude of the problem. I hope the President does not sign it, however he will. To all volunteers who will serve alone. Be careful. We have done our best in advocating, but other volunteers won't listen. God bless all the volunteers whose safety was and is jeordardize by past Peace Corps neglect to safety and their future actions regarding volunteer safety.

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